Pay no attention to the people behind the curtain

Friday, September 10, 2010

And You're Voting Republican Because...?

By Keith R. Schmitz

Those damned pesky numbers.

Princeton political science professor Larry Bartels took a look at income growth from 1948 to 2005 with a breakout by income levels.

As expected, poorer Americans made out pretty good under Democrats. But what is surprising is that those occupying the top didn't do bad either, so where is the dreaded income redistribution that the GOP frets about?

As far as I am concerned, I really don't care who makes the pie higher. If the Republicans can bring us prosperity, well God bless 'em. Job well done. But the numbers don't permit passing out praise in this case.

Many regard me as a liberal, but in reality I am a resultist, and this chart confirms that Democratic administrations are doing something right. Granted, there are a lot more factors than who is sitting in the White House, but almost 50 years of data should even things out.

You into money? That's cool. But if that's the case, why aren't you voting Democratic or supporting Democratic style policies when ultimately we all make out?